Pulse nightclub fire trial continues in Kočani, Macedonia

On 16 March 2025 a fire ripped through the Pulse nightclub in the Macedonian town of Kočani during a performance by the group DNA, killing 63 people and injuring more than 200. The case is being heard in the Idrizovo courtroom, before Judge Dijana Gruevska‑Ilievska, with a team of 15 public prosecutors.

Prosecutors have presented material evidence showing the venue began operating without meeting the required technical standards, lacked a proper cabaret licence and did not have sufficient emergency exits for 200 visitors. The evidence includes inspection reports, a 2012 licence‑request from owner Dejan Jovanov, and documents on the municipality’s failure to re‑classify the building. Defence counsel has asked that prosecutor Natasha Saramandova be removed, alleging bias. In protest, many parents of the victims left the courtroom, with Aleksandar Naunov saying, “All we ask is that the evidence be fully presented and responsibility not be lost among procedures.”